At the “Waladala” teaching and experimental vineyard of Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, the traditional Federweißer tasting begins before the actual grape harvest. This coming Wednesday, September 9, 2026, wine lovers are cordially invited from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to sample the first Federweißer of 2026.
After only a short fermentation period, visitors can enjoy the sweet and slightly sparkling beverage right at the vine. “Due to the dry conditions and heat in June, the berries remained small on some varieties, resulting in a lower yield of must. At the same time, the ripening process has begun earlier for all varieties. The frontrunner is the Souvenier Gris, currently at 84 °Oechsle; the Frühburgunder has already been harvested so as not to leave everything to the wasps of Bernburg,” explains Professor Dieter Orzessek, who oversees the vineyard.
This afternoon’s selection includes: a Federroter made from Frühburgunder, as well as two Federweißer wines made from Müller-Thurgau and Grauburgunder. These are served with small, hearty snacks. To round out the flavor, there is also a wine spritzer with the promising name “Herbstsonne” (Autumn Sun), and—as a precaution against autumn colds—a delicious peppermint liqueur called “Hustenfrei” (Cough-Free).
With wine, some music, and a hearty snack, visitors can enjoy a convivial afternoon. They can explore the young vineyard, learn about the work involved in tending the vines, and find out more about the project’s future prospects.
